Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to the Trans-Saharan trade routes, their overall significance, and prominent historical figures and empires involved in this extensive trading network.

Trans-Saharan Trade

Trade across the Sahara Desert that involved the exchange of goods such as gold, ivory, and slaves for salt, textiles, and horses.

Ibn Battuta

A Muslim scholar and explorer from the 14th century who documented his travels across trade routes, including those in the Sahara.

Oases

Fertile areas in the desert where water from underground sources allows human settlement and agriculture.

Caravan

A group of people, often merchants, traveling together across deserts or through hostile regions, typically in large numbers.

Sundiata

The founder of the Mali Empire, known for establishing a strong trade network and becoming an important ruler in West Africa.

Mansa Musa

A significant ruler of Mali known for his pilgrimage to Mecca and for showcasing the wealth and resources of his empire.

Cowry shells

A form of currency used in West Africa and in trades during the time of the Mali Empire.

Camel saddle

A type of saddle specifically designed to carry loads on camels, which facilitated trade across the Sahara.

Mali Empire

A powerful West African empire that profited from trade, particularly gold, and fostered Islamic scholarship and culture.

Songhai Kingdom

A successor state to Mali that became a major empire in West Africa by the late 1400s, known for its trade and military power.